September 2021

Greetings,

We cannot believe that we are in the midst of the third week of September, and a few days shy of celebrating Heritage Day! While the days turn like pages, we're full of excitement as we count down to our flagship conference, the ANDE 2021 Annual Conference, taking place 28-30 September 2021. We also are looking forward to the upcoming Female Foundry sessions hosted by 22 ON SLOANE and dentsu SSA lead by well-versed facilitators, which include members of the ANDE South Africa team, Sekai Chiwandamira (Regional Chapter Manager) and Tendai Angeline Mugabe (Senior Programme Associate). Please continue to read to learn of all the unmissable events, grand opportunities and insightful resources that are enhancing the ecosystem - we suggest you have your calendar by your side.

ANDE Updates

ANDE Gender-Smart Capacity Building Facility 
Deadline: 30 September 2021
In partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the ANDE Gender-Smart Capacity Building Facility will award five grants of up to USD $30,000 for gender-smart capacity building services to investors who will be supporting 1-3 SGBs operating in qualified geographies. ANDE has recently updated the application requirements and extended the deadline. Applications are no longer restricted to pre-investments and investors are not required to identify target beneficiary SGB(s) at the time of application. Interested applicants must submit an expression of interest by September 30, 2021. Apply today.

The SGB Evidence Fund
Deadline: 1 November 2021
The SGB Evidence Fund aims to address knowledge gaps in the small and growing business sector by commissioning high-quality, practitioner-researcher co-generated research projects that yield insight into what works to stimulate the growth of SGBs through improvements in firm productivity and performance, as well as build evidence on the economic and social impacts of SGB growth. Learn more and apply.

ANDE Events

Gender Lens Investing in South Africa: Investor Showcase
6 October 2021 | 2:30pm-4:30pm [SAST]
ANDE SA and Value for Women, supported by the Walmart Foundation, look forward to the upcoming event: Gender Lens Investing in South Africa: Investor Showcase. Investors and Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) in South Africa are invited to this exciting session. Investors and SGBs can expect illuminating discussions on gender-lens investing, showcasing of particular gender lens investors to possible pipeline and facilitated networking between SGBs and investors with the aim of building meaningful relationships and possible funding between parties with a similar vision for gender inclusion. Benefits to investors: Put yourself on the map as a forward-thinking investor, and expand your possible pipeline among suitable gender-forward businesses. Benefits to SGBs: Learn from investors about their focus and approach to gender lens investing, connect through 1:1 networking, and put yourself on the radar of investors seeking to expand their pipeline. Register today. 

Sector Events

Convergence | Criterion Institute
08-30 September 2021 
Are you a leader working across sustainable finance, gender-based violence prevention? Criterion Institute invites you to their second annual Convergence conference on financing the reduction of gender-based violence. The goal for this conference is to architect solutions together that leverage the power of finance to reduce gender-based violence. Get your tickets.

Unpacking the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report | World Wildlife Fund South Africa
22 September 2021 
Join the WWF South Africa corporate team for an engaging session focused on unpacking the latest climate research from the recently published Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, the implications for business and the solutions in place to help companies manage their climate risk. The session will be hosted by WWF's James Reeler who, in addition to his extensive work as a Senior Climate Specialist at WWF-SA, also contributed as a peer reviewer on the IPCC report, and Louise Naudé, Senior Manager for WWF-SA's Climate Change Portfolio and Presidential Climate Change Commissioner. Register for the session. 

GLC Webinar: How to Grow Your Training Business Without Marketing | International Finance Corporation
23 September 2021 | 9:00am [EDT]
Can a training business grow without marketing? And is the marketing-free approach sustainable in the long run? Yes, and yes! In this webinar ‘How to Grow Your Training Business Without Marketing’, presented to you by the #GrowLearnConnect (GLC) team of the International Finance Corporation, Fatma Elmaawy will share ideas and tried-and-tested strategies that will help training professionals enhance their client base and ensure organic, long-term, sustainable business growth without marketing gimmicks. Whether you’re an individual training professional or part of a larger organization, this webinar will give you easy-to-use tools for your business development. Register today. 

Covid-19 and Beyond: Working Together for a Resilient Continent | African Development Bank
28-30 September 2021
Join African Development Bank Group at the upcoming Africa Resilience Forum to share experiences and explore innovations to address fragility and build lasting resilience in Africa. Learn more and register. 

African Youth Anti-Corruption Hackathon | Riversands Innovation Hub & United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
04-31 October 2021 
Join Riversands Innovation Hub & United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for this year’s African Youth Anti-Corruption Hackathon for innovative young developers on the continent to design digital solutions that solve real-world challenges related to corruption in their countries! Learn more.

​October Southern African Impact Investment Event | Hivos Impact Investments 
05 October 2021 | 11:00am-12:00pm [SAST]. 
Hivos Food and Lifestyle Fund wishes to make further investments in Zambian, Malawian and South African companies that combine profitable business models with impact for people and planet. Register to learn more.

 Women Owned Business Access to Finance Guide Pre-Launch | Entrepreneurship To The Point
07 October 2021 
Entrepreneurship To The Point has created a guide dedicated to providing women-owned businesses with all they need to know to be successful when engaging funders. Join them for the pre-launch and engage directly with the funders. Register today. 

Exists Masterclass | Southern African Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (SAVCA) & EY
07 October 2021 
Join Southern African Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (SAVCA) & EY for an informative session into the best practices in how to approach exists. Key themes: Introduction and Market Trends; Where Do I Start?; Creating the Exit Platform and Execution Plan; Exit Readiness; Data Analytics; How Data Analytics Simplifies the Complex In Your Exit?; and Tax Considerations. Seats are limited! Register today.

Beyond the Known 
26-28 October 2021 
Are you experienced in supporting entrepreneurship and the development of MSMEs? Come along to the free #BTK2021 conference to connect with fellow practitioners and funders, and learn about promising solutions in entrepreneurial ecosystems, finance, sustainability and inclusion. The conference is organised by Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, International Labour Organization, EBRD IFC - International Finance Corporation, Swisscontact and Argidius Foundation.

Sector Opportunities

The Quest | The Anzisha Prize
Deadline: 22 September 2021 
The Anzisha Prize will premier a 4-episode reality TV show showcasing our search for Africa's youngest entrepreneurs who will join their incredible fellowship program and stand the chance to win over 100 000USD in cash prizes! They're calling it "The Quest." View the trailer.  The show features entrepreneurs from Cape to Cairo - giving a glimpse into their businesses and it features the people who are cheering them on. Sign up to get involved and receive notifications.

Innovation Challenges and Opportunity Hub | Innovation Edge
Deadline: 30 September 2021 
Innovation Edge has launched a call for bold solutions to increase positive involvement by South African fathers and father figures in the early years of their children’s lives. Selected applicants will be supported to pitch their solutions to the Innovation Edge Investment Committee. Successful ventures will receive up to R1.3 million each in grant funding, strategic coaching, customised operational support and connections to social capital. Find out more about the application criteria and process.

Global Startup Awards 
Deadline: 30 September 2021 
Global Startup Awards is the largest independent startup ecosystem competition with the mission to find, recognize and connect the future-shapers of the digital age from all around the world. The Global Startup Awards (GSA) started in 2012 as a global movement and now operates in 113 countries and 3 continents. In 2021, GSA Africa has been launched to include all 5 regions in Africa. For the first time ever, innovators from all 55 African countries have the chance to showcase their solutions and participate in the movement. GSA Africa aims to connect the best of African tech startups to a global network of leading investors and innovation ecosystems. Learn more and apply.

South Africa’s Embedded Generation Investment Programme | Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)
Deadline: 30 September 2021 
The DBSA is inviting all private sector entities and energy developers to submit proposals in response to South Africa’s Embedded Generation Investment Programme (EGIP). EGIP seeks to provide first loss facilities and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment funding to support the implementation of embedded generation renewable energy projects in South Africa. The projects under EGIP will be implemented by private sector entities (in their capacity as Independent Power Producers and/or off-takers) and local municipalities (acting primarily as off-takers). The underlying Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) under EGIP are not expected to be underpinned by Government Guarantees. A facility of approximately U$D200 million has been secured to implement solar photovoltaic and wind renewable energy projects in South Africa. Learn more and submit proposal. 

Call for Proposals | Private Financing Advisory (PFAN)
Deadline: 30 October 2021 
Call for proposals from Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN) Southern Africa for projects in the following sectors: circular economy, agriculture and water, or forestry, biomass, ecosystems and biodiversity, which impact or are being impacted by climate change and are investor ready. Learn more.

The Young Entrepreneur Development Programme | Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship SA
The Young Entrepreneur Development programme offers entrepreneurs who are 18 to 29 years of age and committed to youth job creation the opportunity to join the Ignite programme. Ignite is a business accelerator programme that will help you challenge the rules of “business as usual” to change business for good - for people, the planet and profit. Brought to you by the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship SA in partnership with Naspers Labs Labs. Register Your Interest.

Project Thrive Fund | Riversands Innovation Hub
Are you a performance-orientated small business? Do you need a loan, better yet an interest free loan? Asset finance up to 300k; purchase order finance up to 300k; and working capital up to 50k. Learn more about the criteria/requirements and apply. 

Stellenbosch University LaunchLab | Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University LaunchLab is building the next generation of sustainable, high-impact companies tackling the world’s toughest challenges in Agri, Climate & Health with a heavy dose of engineering and data science. They believe entrepreneurism is a learned science that not only helps build great companies but also allows us to navigate the complexities of life. Whether you’re a student with an idea, an entrepreneur with an early-stage business, a University looking to build its own incubator or an established organisation eager to infuse innovation into its culture then we have an entrepreneurial tool that can serve your needs. Their suite of programs mirror the entrepreneurial journey. Are you ready to build? Learn more.

Local and Regional Economic Development Fund | Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism 
The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism is calling all Eastern Cape-based entities operating or seeking to operate in the priority sectors to submit proposals for funding, through the Local and Regional Economic Development (LRED) Fund. Further details are available in the LRED policy document. All interested applicants are advised to thoroughly review the revised LRED policy. Furthermore, please make contact with the regional offices regarding the process and for the required support in completing the application form.

Changemakers Everywhere Academy | Ashoka & American Express
Calling change makers everywhere! Applications for the 2021 Ashoka & American Express Changemakers Everywhere Academy are now open! They are calling on all early-mid stage innovators who are working to ensure human rights, create new paths for community participation, elevate marginalized voices, and more! Learn more today.

Ideation, Validation and Creation Programme | Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
As a means of encouraging ideation, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation has developed a carefully refined internal Ideation Accelerator, known as the IVC programme (Ideation, Validation and Creation). The IVC programme can be accessed by applicants who have been awarded a spot in our Entrepreneurial Development Programme for first years. If you're already hustling or if you've got an idea that you want to test, apply now. 

The Anglo American Sustainable Investment Initiative | Anglo American, Impact Capital Africa & 10x Entrepreneurs
Anglo American understands the difficulties that businesses may have in accessing finance, finding the right investment partners and in meeting investor objectives. The Anglo American Sustainable Investment Initiative, delivered in partnership with Impact Capital Africa and 10x Entrepreneurs is designed to support businesses looking for affordable and appropriate long-term finance. If your innovative business is headquartered in, active in, or planning to roll out to the Northern Cape, North West or Limpopo then learn more about the Anglo American Sustainable Investment Initiative and apply.

Survive to Thrive | African Management Institute
The recent unrest experienced in Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng has left many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) limping and in dire need of support to rebuild their businesses. The situation has been further exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the struggling economy. The African Management Institute  wants to lend a helping hand to affected MSMEs in support of the call for recovery by offering full scholarships for a practical business growth programme - Survive to Thrive. The programme is designed to equip MSMEs with the tools they need to stabilize their businesses and overcome the current challenges. Learn more about the programme.

The Youth Innovation Challenge | Innovate Durban
The Youth Innovation Challenge is Innovate Durban's Flagship Programme and this year they have chosen to align the YIC to an overarching theme of ‘Responding to Crisis’ with a view to address some of the globally felt challenges that have come to the forefront during the recent unrest and ongoing pandemic. Whilst these areas of need have continued to plague the globe; witnessing the devastating impact on resources, industries, logistics and communities which will be felt for a long way into the future. As such Innovate Durban have identified 4 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals that will be presented as challenges in their local context. Challenges will be shared during the workshop programme! Submit your team application and stand a chance to win cash prizes for the top 3 teams!

What We Are Reading and Listening To

Investing in Job Creation | Ashburton Investment 
South Africa entered the Coronavirus pandemic with significant economic and social challenges, which have since been further intensified. Addressing the triple threat of poverty, inequality and unemployment has never been more urgent. Ringetani Ndlovu, Lead Portfolio Manager at Ashburton Investments, explores solutions to drive job creation. Read the article.

Exclusive Interview with Nicole Biondi | Innovation Edge & Standard Bank Top Women Awards Conference Publication
Nicole Biondi is the Head of Marketing and Communications activities for Innovation Edge – a social impact investor focused on early childhood in South Africa. She focuses on the needs and opportunities of the investment platform, as well as offering a range of support for individual investments within the portfolio. Read the exclusive interview. 

Women's Report Paper Three: Early childhood care and education can boost women’s employment in South Africa | Ilifa Labantwana
Early childhood care and education can boost women’s employment in South Africa. Improving access to high-quality, age-appropriate early childhood care and education (ECCE) is a national imperative, recognised in numerous pieces of legislation and policy in South Africa. While the benefits to children of the proliferation of these services are clear, the associated opportunities for benefits to women are seldom given due attention. This paper by Laura Brooks from Ilifa Labantwana seeks to articulate how investment in ECCE services can support another important developmental imperative in South Africa: enabling women to participate meaningfully in the labour force. Read more.

Join the Movement | South Africa Startup Act 
Have you been hearing the words 'Startup Act' but are still unsure about what it is and what it can do for you? Startup Acts are an emerging trend across Africa, aimed at creating a more conducive environment for startup growth and development. They are supported by action plans around investment attraction and development, as well as skills and ecosystem development initiatives. Learn more. 

New business models for financing the creative sector in Kenya | Genesis Analytics
The creative sector can create jobs and export earnings. But the lack of access to finance is the biggest challenge faced by creative enterprises in Kenya, followed by lack of access to market and low levels of support from the government. FSD Kenya has released the report by Genesis Analytics on new ways to finance the creative sector in Kenya. This will form the basis for stakeholders in the industry to coordinate efforts and resources in the creative economy to create jobs and income opportunities for the youth post-COVID. Read the report. 

Interview: Food Waste Innovation Challenge | Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship SA
Nwabisa Mayema (Strategic Partnerships Director at Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship SA) chats to Bruce Whitfield about the Food Waste Innovation Challenge. Listen the full interview.

Career Opportunities

Knowledge Transfer Manager - Global Alliance Africa | KTN | United Kingdom
Country Support Manager | AMP Health | Johannesburg, South Africa
Learning Manager | AMP Health | Johannesburg, South Africa